Metaverse
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The metaverse (sometimes referred to as extended reality) is a modern buzzword that has been associated with the Internet of the future. It has been described as a robust, responsive, inclusive, version of virtual experiences, environments and assets.
Nick Kelly, Senior Lecturer in Interaction Design, Queensland University of Technology, calls the metaverse “A high-tech plan to Facebookify the world”. He explains that in a June 2021 announcement, Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said the organisation would move away from its position as a social media company to becoming “a metaverse company”, functioning in an “embodied Internet” that blends real and virtual worlds more than ever before.
[edit] History
The term 'metaverse' was first introduced in 1992 by science fiction writer Neal Stephenson. The author recognised the need to name the existence of a futuristic world that combined physical and fabricated reality.
In justifying the greater adoption of the term metaverse, Kelly says existing terms ‘don’t capture the new social relationships, sensory experiences and economic behaviours that are emerging along with these extensions to the virtual….Neologisms such as “the Cloud” or the “Internet of Things” have stuck with us precisely because they are handy ways to refer to technologies that are becoming increasingly important. The metaverse sits in this same category.’
[edit] The possible impact of the metaverse
Kelly proposes ways in which new concepts such as the metaverse will shape society, politics and culture in a form of ‘“technological determinism”: the sense that advances in technology shape our social relations, power relations and culture in a way that helps to organise our societies more productively. Shared standards and protocols that bring disparate virtual worlds and augmented realities into a single, open metaverse could help people work together and cut down on duplication of effort.’
Kelly presents the example of a metaverse alliance that is being explored between private companies and the South Korean government. This alliance is attempting to work together to develop an open, national VR platform. Kelly writes, ‘A big part of this is finding ways to blend smartphones, 5G networks, augmented reality, virtual currencies and social networks to solve problems for society (and, more cynically, make profits).’
While arrangements such as the metaverse alliance may result in beneficial collaborations, there are also drawbacks associated with shifting a physical reality to one that is primarily based on virtual interactions. Kelly says that in a metaverse, varied realities are not compatible with ‘a “one-world world” - a reality that does not permit other realities.’
He suggests this may be limiting in terms of connections to people and the development of communities, despite the fact ‘it offers us limitless possibilities to overcome the constraints of the physical world; yet in doing so, only replaces them with constraints imposed by what the metaverse will allow.’
The article 'What is the metaverse? A high-tech plan to Facebookify the world' was written by Nick Kelly, Senior Lecturer in Interaction Design, Queensland University of Technology. It was published on 6 August 2021 on The Conversation website under a Creative Commons license.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.